Work Permits.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 June 2004

Wednesday, 16 June 2004

Questions (71)

John Perry

Question:

107 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the work permit application of a person (details supplied) will be reassessed in view of the fact that they have been offered employment and specialises in Malaysian cuisine; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17993/04]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney)

A work permit application was received in this case on 27 April 2004. If work permit applications are complete and otherwise in order, they currently take eight to ten weeks to process. In the aftermath of EU enlargement, the Government's policy is to ensure that employers can source nearly all of their workforce needs from within the EU. Therefore, only in cases where exceptional levels of skill and qualifications are needed for the job, and the employer has made meaningful attempts to find EEA nationals, will my Department consider work permit applications.